Responding to a number of statements made by Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush over the past two weeks, Governor Duncan Taylor said Thursday that claims his office was working against the Cayman Islands were “completely without foundation”.
Premier Bush, and other members of the United Democratic Party, have questioned publicly in both the Caymanian Compass and other local news media, the motives of the Governor Taylor and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in announcing that a number of criminal investigations were proceeding that involved Mr. Bush.
“The suggestion that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or I are working against the interests of the Cayman Islands is completely without foundation,” Mr. Taylor’s statement read.
“The UK government’s vision for the Cayman Islands was set out clearly during the visit by the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham, less than two weeks ago: a vision of a flourishing and vibrant economy, whose public finances are well managed and whose adherence to internationally recognised standards of governance enhances its reputation as a good place to live, work and do business. I wholeheartedly support that vision.
“ I have and will continue to devote all my energy to helping make that vision a reality. When I took up my responsibilities as Governor I swore an oath to “well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II … and the people of the Cayman Islands”. I am passionately committed to fulfilling the oath I made.
“During his visit, the Minister also made clear that he was confident that the Commissioner of Police and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) were pursuing the investigations which involve the Honourable Premier properly. I share that view and remain confident that the Commissioner will ensure that the RCIPS carry out their responsibilities in this regard objectively and fairly.”
Police Commissioner David Baines announced on 21 April that there were three investigations currently under way involving Mr. Bush. Two of those involve property transactions, the third – in which Mr. Bush was said to be “peripherally involved” – was linked to an alleged illegal importation of dynamite.
Mr. Bush has previously denied any wrongdoing and has stated he has never been formally interviewed or even informed of these probes by the police.
Premier Bush, and other members of the United Democratic Party, have questioned publicly in both the Caymanian Compass and other local news media, the motives of the Governor Taylor and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in announcing that a number of criminal investigations were proceeding that involved Mr. Bush.
“The suggestion that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or I are working against the interests of the Cayman Islands is completely without foundation,” Mr. Taylor’s statement read.
“The UK government’s vision for the Cayman Islands was set out clearly during the visit by the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham, less than two weeks ago: a vision of a flourishing and vibrant economy, whose public finances are well managed and whose adherence to internationally recognised standards of governance enhances its reputation as a good place to live, work and do business. I wholeheartedly support that vision.
“ I have and will continue to devote all my energy to helping make that vision a reality. When I took up my responsibilities as Governor I swore an oath to “well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II … and the people of the Cayman Islands”. I am passionately committed to fulfilling the oath I made.
“During his visit, the Minister also made clear that he was confident that the Commissioner of Police and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) were pursuing the investigations which involve the Honourable Premier properly. I share that view and remain confident that the Commissioner will ensure that the RCIPS carry out their responsibilities in this regard objectively and fairly.”
Police Commissioner David Baines announced on 21 April that there were three investigations currently under way involving Mr. Bush. Two of those involve property transactions, the third – in which Mr. Bush was said to be “peripherally involved” – was linked to an alleged illegal importation of dynamite.
Mr. Bush has previously denied any wrongdoing and has stated he has never been formally interviewed or even informed of these probes by the police.
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I find it hard to believe in Taylor and Bellingham. If they cared for what was in our best interest and reputation, they would not have blurped out the other investigations to the news media, causing alot of unanswered questions.
Conspiracy?! Conspiracy Mr. Governor??! I dont think so! And what foundation are you talking about? Words spoken, but the actions of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with her Governors proves different.
As for McKeeva – he should have not went on News 27. But I think he is arrogant and fail to listen to the advice of his lawyers: Shut Your Mouth!
So Mr Taylor why exactly did you feel it necessary to first publicly reveal the existence of the RCIPS investigations and then make sure no details were released?
Looking at this as an outsider, with no real interest in what Mr Bush is accused of doing or not doing, that is what intrigues me.
It seems have been a move that someone of your experience must have known would fuel speculation and rumour.
As previous postings have declared, my recent dealings with the FCO in the UK have taught me to trust them about as far as I could throw the lot of them. In fact what I learned is that if the FCO tell you something you should believe the exact opposite is the real truth, so I take the statements quoted above with a very large pinch of the proverbial salt.